Highlights of the Western Balkans

Days

8

Price from

$2,675AUD

Discover the best of Eastern Europe through Dubrovnik, Sarajevo and Belgrade.

Croatia has been a hot travel destination for a while now, but Bosnia & Herzegovina and Serbia are really beginning to emerge as exciting places to experience. This itinerary combines the best of them; a colourful tapestry of cultures, landscapes and traditions.

Highlights of the Western Balkans

Discover the best of Eastern Europe through Dubrovnik, Sarajevo and Belgrade.

Croatia has been a hot travel destination for a while now, but Bosnia & Herzegovina and Serbia are really beginning to emerge as exciting places to experience. This itinerary combines the best of them; a colourful tapestry of cultures, landscapes and traditions.

Why we love this trip

As well as the long time favourite Dubrovnik, you'll experience one of Europe's most interesting (and safe) cities of the moment – Sarajevo

Under the guidance of knowledgable locals, you'll visit some of the region's most beautiful cathedrals, monasteries, palaces, Ottoman mosques and UNESCO-protected townscapes

The smaller, lesser-known destinations on this trip are some of the best. The crystalline beauty of towns like Mostar and Blagaj is the stuff of fairytales

Montenegro may be a tiny country, but its charms can hardly be overstated. Take a day trip to this land of pristine beaches, mountain peaks and old-world villages

The Tunnel Museum is an astounding illumination of Bosnia and Herzegovina's war history, displaying a piece of the very tunnel used during the Siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s

Visit the Srebrenica Memorial Center. The Centre honours the thousands who died in the infamous Srebrenica Genocide of 1995. The local guide who has lived through the horrors of war will answer any question you might have

Visit the Zivanovic family’s honey museum and winery in Sremski Karlovci. Their old house has been converted into museum full of beekeeping memorabilia and the have had a wine cellar here for 300 years. You’ll try Bermet dessert wine which is a speciality of the region. Reports suggest it was drunk at the emperor's court in Vienna and was even served on the Titanic. This family are said to have kept the original recipe.

Is this trip right for you?

Summer temperatures can reach 40°C or higher in some areas, so it's important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same gender. While this is a great opportunity to chat with like-minded travellers, you can purchase a single room supplement (where available) if you'd prefer not to share. Note that many hotels in Europe don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.

A visit to the Srebrenica Memorial Centre can be an emotional experience. If you would rather not visit the centre please just let your leader know.

You will visit a number of religious buildings which require a level of modesty. You will need to bring clothes that cover the shoulders and trousers/shorts or skirts that go to knee. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.

Gallery

Itinerary

Arrive in Dubrovnik, one of Croatia's most bewitching seaside cities. An airport arrival transfer is included in the price of the trip. Please advise your travel agent of your flight details at the time of booking. There are no activities planned for today, so you may arrive at any time. If you arrive early, perhaps take a stroll through the charming Old Town, or simply enjoy the city's lively outdoor cafe culture. This evening you will meet your trip leader and fellow travellers for an important welcome meeting. This is usually at 6 pm, but check the hotel reception for the exact time and place. After the meeting head out for a group dinner at a traditional restaurant.

Accommodation

Hotel Ivka or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Complimentary Arrival Transfer

Meals Included

Set out from Dubrovnik on a day excursion to the stunning country of Montenegro. Montenegro occupies a thin strip of the Adriatic coast and is a land of beautiful sandy and pebbled beaches, dramatic mountain peaks and delightful old villages. Your excursion will take you to Europe's most southerly fjord, Boka Kotorska (Bay of Kotor), one of the most beautiful bays of the region. On the way, pass through the small and picturesque towns of Risan and Perast, situated on the banks of the bay, before arriving at the UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Kotor, where you will embark on a sightseeing tour with a local guide. Visit the Cathedral of St. Tryphun, which dates back to the 8th century (according to the annals of Constantine Porfirogenet, the Byzantine czar), the South Gates of Kotor (the "Gurdich Gate"), and the square "Trg od oruzija" (The Armory Square). Return to Dubrovnik in the afternoon.

Accommodation

Hotel Ivka or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

St Tryphon's Cathedral

Kotor Sightseeing with Local Guide

Meals Included

Depart Dubrovnik this morning and travel to the peaceful town of Blagaj, our first stop in Bosnia. Blagaj is the location of the turquoise Buna River spring, where you’ll visit a historical tekija (Dervish monastery). After lunch there is a short drive to Mostar, a town situated in a beautiful valley in the high mountains of Herzegovina. Here you will explore the must-see Cejvan Cehaj Mosque, which was built in 1552. Thanks to the river Neretva, Mostar was able to develop as a city in the barren landscape of Herzegovina. Neretva's size turned Mostar into a trading centre of the region very early on. The most famous feature of the city is its bridge. Stari Most ('Old Bridge'), which was built by the Ottomans in 1565. It was the great architect Mimar Hajrudin who had succeeded with the impossible mission to cross the Neretva River with a single span stone bridge. In the late afternoon you will drive to Bosnia's capital, Sarajevo, for a dinner in a local restaurant.

Accommodation

Hotel Bosnia or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Mostar Orientation Walk

Blagaj Tekija (Dervish House)

Cejvan Cehaj Mosque Mostar

Meals Included

Explore Sarajevo this morning with a walking tour of the city. You will visit the famous Baščaršija, the old Turkish quarter, home to one of the most interesting market centres in the country. Sarajevo is one of the few cities in the world that features an Orthodox church, a Catholic church and a mosque (the famous Begova Džamija) all within close proximity. You will be visiting all three buildings on your tour. This city may well be one of the highlights of your trip. It has emerged from the brink of ruin in the 1990s to become one of the most interesting capital cities of Europe. After your exploration of the city, there will be free time for lunch before you depart for the Tunnel Museum in the suburb of Ilidža. The tunnel was dug underneath the airport runway and was used to smuggle provisions into the city during the siege. The rest of the afternoon ids free for you to explore this exciting city.

Accommodation

Hotel Bosnia or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Sarajevo Sightseeing with Local Guide

Gazi Husrev Beg Mosque

War Tunnel Museum

Meals Included

After breakfast transfer from Sarajevo for Srebrenica, a journey taking approximately two hours. Explore the narrow streets and learn about the town's tragic past on a guided sightseeing tour, including a visit to the Srebrenica Memorial Center. The Centre honours the thousands who died in the infamous Srebrenica Genocide of 1995. The local guide who has lived through the horrors of war will answer any question you might have. Take time to reflect on the experience over lunch at a local restaurant before travelling to Beograd, the Serbian capital more commonly known as Belgrade. The 'White City' is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Sitting at the confluence of two major rivers, the Sava and the Danube, it’s an important intersection between Eastern and Western Europe. Here you’ll experience an energetic mix of progressive flamboyance and conservative customs.

Notes: A visit to the Srebrenica Memorial Centre can be an emotional experience. If you would rather not visit the centre just let your leader know.

Accommodation

Queen's Astoria Design Hotel or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Srebrenica Memorial Center

Srebrenica Sightseeing Tour

Meals Included

After breakfast take part in a guided sightseeing tour of Belgrade to give you some familiarity with the area and local amenities. Then you'll have the rest of the day free to explore the city. Perhaps begin with a wander around the city’s wide boulevards and squares, and the historic and green heart of Kalemegdan Park. The park is home to Kalemegdan Fortress, which has overlooked the Danube River here for centuries. In the evening, head down to Skadarska Street in the bohemian quarter of Skadarlija to sample some authentic local food and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Accommodation

Queen's Astoria Design Hotel or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Belgrade Sightseeing Tour

Meals Included

Embark on a day trip to Serbia's second-largest city, Novi Sad. Experience Novi Sad's fascinating blend of traditional culture and Austro-Hungarian architecture on a sightseeing tour. Visit the city’s fortress of Petrovaradin, which sits right on the Danube and contains a museum of historic artefacts from the region. In the afternoon, head out of town to visit a local vineyard in Sremski Karlovci and see the workings of a family-run wine making business. Visit the Zivanovic family’s honey museum and winery. Their old house has been converted into museum full of beekeeping memorabilia and the have had a wine cellar here for 300 years. You’ll try Bermet dessert wine which is a speciality of the region. Reports suggest it was drunk at the emperor's court in Vienna and was even served on the Titanic. This family are said to have kept the original recipe. Return to Belgrade in the evening for a final dinner with your group.

Accommodation

Queen's Astoria Design Hotel or similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Novi Sad Sightseeing Tour

Petrovaradin Fortress Novi Sad

Wine & Honey Tasting in Sremski Karlovci

Meals Included

Your trip ends after breakfast this morning in Belgrade. Those wanting to extend their stay can arrange additional nights' accommodation at the time of booking. If you have some spare time before departing, the markets near the Hram Svetog Save (St Sava Church) and Pijaca Venac will keep you occupied for hours.

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Meals

7 breakfasts,
2 lunches,
3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (7 nights)

Included Activities

Complimentary Arrival Transfer

St Tryphon's Cathedral

Kotor Sightseeing with Local Guide

Mostar Orientation Walk

Blagaj Tekija (Dervish House)

Cejvan Cehaj Mosque Mostar

Sarajevo Sightseeing with Local Guide

Gazi Husrev Beg Mosque

War Tunnel Museum

Srebrenica Memorial Center

Srebrenica Sightseeing Tour

Belgrade Sightseeing Tour

Novi Sad Sightseeing Tour

Petrovaradin Fortress Novi Sad

Wine & Honey Tasting in Sremski Karlovci

Meals

7 breakfasts,
2 lunches,
3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (7 nights)

Included Activities

Complimentary Arrival Transfer

St Tryphon's Cathedral

Kotor Sightseeing with Local Guide

Mostar Orientation Walk

Blagaj Tekija (Dervish House)

Cejvan Cehaj Mosque Mostar

Sarajevo Sightseeing with Local Guide

Gazi Husrev Beg Mosque

War Tunnel Museum

Srebrenica Memorial Center

Srebrenica Sightseeing Tour

Belgrade Sightseeing Tour

Novi Sad Sightseeing Tour

Petrovaradin Fortress Novi Sad

Wine & Honey Tasting in Sremski Karlovci

Days

8

Price from

$2,675AUD

Discover the best of Eastern Europe through Dubrovnik, Sarajevo and Belgrade.

Croatia has been a hot travel destination for a while now, but Bosnia & Herzegovina and Serbia are really beginning to emerge as exciting places to experience. This itinerary combines the best of them; a colourful tapestry of cultures, landscapes and traditions.

Monika Grossenbacher

shirley Battrick

I did not have an opportunity to rate the crew. Martina was very knowledgeable, friendly and approachable. An excellent leader. Ivan the driver was excellent as well, he was at all times helpful, professional and friendly.

Dates & availability

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Important notes

This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.